7 life-changing foods

Throughout your lifetime you
will probably encounter many life-changing events and …

Event: Job interview

What to eat: Soybeans

If you’ve got a big job interview coming up, it’s easy for
nerves to get the better of you. Fortunately, researchers at McGill
University in Montreal have found that foods containing tryptophan
(an essential amino acid) can give you that confidence boost you
need to help things go well. While there are many good sources of
tryptophan such as chicken and salmon, tryptophan-rich roasted
soybeans or edamame beans are a handy food to snack on prior to
your interview.

Woman eating cereal

Event: Exam

What to eat: Breakfast cereal

In the lead up to exams, try eating a healthy diet packed with
whole grains to help give your brain a boost. Whole grain breakfast
cereals are not only a good source of energy to help keep you alert
and focused, they are also a rich source of folate, which can help
speed up information processing and memory recall. While not
technically a food, you could also try popping in some chewing gum
prior to your exam, as research has suggested that chewing on gum
can improve test scores and improve memory by 35%.

Event: First date

What to drink: Chamomile tea

It’s natural to feel anxious before a promising first date,
whether you are worried about making a bad first impression or
concerned about how well you will get on. However, don’t be tempted
to get some Dutch courage; instead, calm your nerves with a
soothing chamomile tea beforehand. The calming effects of chamomile
are so powerful that they have been found to reduce symptoms of
mild to moderate generalised anxiety disorder, making curing
pre-date jitters a cinch.

Event: Trying for a baby

What to eat: Oysters

Perhaps the most life-changing event you will ever encounter is
conceiving a child, and if you want to increase your chances of
conception your diet can make all the difference. Oysters are a
famous aphrodisiac due to their high quantities of zinc, which can
stimulate the libido and enhance desire. However, not only can zinc
get you in the mood, it is also essential for the fertility of both
women and men. For women, zinc can prove vital for healthy
ovulation and steady egg production, while in men zinc helps
maintain healthy testosterone levels and is essential for healthy
sperm production.

Event: Heated argument

What to eat: Walnuts

While most of the time disagreements can be resolved, serious or
frequent arguments can damage relationships and impact on your
happiness. Rather than living to regret words said in the heat of
the moment, try to defuse an argument by controlling your anger.
Research has shown that Omega-3 deficiency can contribute to
aggressive behavior, while a Japanese study has suggested that zinc
may ease anger in women. To up your intake of both these nutrients,
try snacking on walnuts when you feel your blood start to boil or
to help you calm down before discussing a problem.

Event: Relationship breakdown

What to eat: Oily fish

The breakdown of a relationship can naturally lead to feelings
of depression and negativity which can be hard to shake off. While
these feelings are unavoidable and will take time to get over, to
help get through this difficult time as best as you can try to up
your intake of oily fish such as wild salmon and tuna, which are
rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, both of which can help
to regulate the mood and ward off depression.

Event: Making big decisions

What to eat: Yoghurt

If you’ve got a big decision to make, whether to do with your
career, relationship, health or finances, it’s important to try to
increase your mental clarity and focus to help you make the right
decision. To help get yourself in the right frame of mind, try
snacking on yoghurt which is rich in iodine and zinc, which can
both help boost mental clarity and brain function. Researchers from
Toronto University also found that the probiotic bacteria
Lactobacillus casei found in some yoghurts can decrease anxiety,
helping to put you in a calmer frame of mind for decision
making.